Debut for new signing as Unai Emery makes important £23m decision - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wolves

Aston Villa return to Premier League action just three days after their Champions League triumph over Celtic with a trip to rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Unai Emery’s side beating the Scottish champions 4-2 on Wednesday was enough to secure a spot in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition, but now the focus must shift back to the English top flight.

Although progressing in the Champions League is exhilarating and important, the Premier League remains the priority for Emery and the club. Currently four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, there’s still everything to play for in the fight to qualify for European football once again.

Winning at Molineux this weekend could help shift Villa closer to that objective but it won’t be easy as Wolves are fighting for their lives at the opposite end of the table. Currently in the relegation zone and one point behind 17th-placed Leicester City, Vitor Pereira’s side will be just as desperate for a positive result.

Emery has several selection dilemmas to consider for the short journey to Wolverhampton, including two in defence. Matty Cash sustaining an injury midweek leaves the right-back spot up for grabs while it must be decided whether Boubacar Kamara should remain at centre-back in Tyrone Mings’ absence.

With those calls in mind, here’s the XI we reckon Emery will name.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Wolves

GK - Emi Martinez

The World Cup winner has been a little inconsistent this season but he’s arguably the best on the planet when on song. There’s nobody troubling him for his spot in the XI.

RB - Andres Garcia

A debutant, potentially, now that Matty Cash is sidelined with an injury. Garcia, who joined from Levante for £6 million, has had nearly two weeks to settle in.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa will have to play a lot of minutes over the next few weeks as Villa continue their busy run. The England international is pivotal to this team.

CB - Boubacar Kamara

Emery was seriously impressed with Kamara’s performance in an auxiliary centre-back role against Celtic. He’ll likely continue there until Tyrone Mings is back.

LB - Lucas Digne

Still ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order but only just, Digne is being pushed to his limits. The competition is very healthy and Emery has the ability to rotate if he so desires.

RM - Leon Bailey

The Jamaican has been in and out of the team of late but he’s begun to look a little more like his former, more confident self. Meanwhile, it’s important that £23 million signing Donyell Malen is introduced at the right time.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans often prefers playing a little further forward but a deeper role will have to suit for now with Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley out and Kamara at centre-half.

CM - John McGinn

The skipper’s introduction off the bench midweek disrupted Villa’s rhythm and Celtic took advantage, scoring twice in quick succession. McGinn improved after that point, though, showing signs of his super self.

LM - Jacob Ramsey

Well and truly back up to speed, Ramsey assisted two of Villa’s four goals midweek. It’s so good seeing the academy product at his best once again.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

The hat-trick hero from midweek simply has to start in the same role - just behind the striker - at Molineux. Rogers is in the form of his life.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins is the subject of intense transfer speculation but Villa aren’t interested in selling him this month. With Jhon Duran now gone, it’s Watkins’ place to lose.